European patent for diluent to preserve animal semen

The diluent protects the sperm during cryopreservation, for use in artificial insemination. Photos: Giovanni Restrepo. (Unimedios)

The diluent protects the sperm during cryopreservation, for use in artificial insemination. Photos: Giovanni Restrepo. (Unimedios) The European Patent Office granted a patent to the National University of Colombia (UNAL) and the Colombian Polytechnic Jaime Isaza Cadavid for the invention of the "Diluent for the preservation of semen", which protects and enhances the cryopreserved sperm of animals for insemination artificial.

This diluent protects sperm from damage caused by storage at low temperatures and increases the mobility and membrane integrity of thawed sperm by up to 30%, compared to other formulas on the market.

The diluent applies to many animal species, but several previous experiments were done in horses. (Unimedios)

In October 2019, the Superintendency of Industry and Commerce - SIC had already granted the patent for this development in Colombia, but only included in its formula the molecule called isoespintanol, which restricts its scope to some extent. However, the European patent also granted intellectual protection to the formula that includes the molecule called carvacrol, which broadens the scope of application and protection of this development.

Benjamín Rojano and Giovanni Restrepo, inventors of the patented animal semen extender. Photos: Unimedios.
With this diluent, products will be made to facilitate artificial insemination, the main process in which it is used; Furthermore, it can be used for insemination directly, keeping the semen for a short time –as is commonly done– but also for long freezing processes when a semen sample is put into the diluent to bring it to liquid nitrogen and can be frozen for years. Similarly, the diluent facilitates that after thawing the semen, regardless of the time elapsed, the sperm regain mobility and the integrity of their membrane.

The effectiveness of the formula - called PoliCryo - was proven in tests at the Animal Biotechnology Laboratory of the Polytechnic. From the development that improved the survival of frozen sperm, thanks to the addition of antioxidants in the diluent, the researchers achieved good results and got the support of both institutions to apply for the patent simultaneously in Colombia, Europe, and Argentina. Learn about more projects and contact the researchers through the Bogotá Extension Division website or by e-mail deb_bog@unal.edu.co

Content prepared by the National University of Colombia news agency. Check the news in this link.
Source link:
https://agenciadenoticias.unal.edu.co/detalle/article/patente-europea-a-diluyente-para-preservar-semen-animal.html

Source: UNAL News Agency.